Here's how to make sure conflicts don't destroy your workplace

We all have conflict in our lives, whether at home or at work. How we deal with it determines whether it conquers us.

Conflict in the workplace means less commitment in the workforce.

Human resources managers report that they spend anywhere from 24 percent to 60 percent of their time trying to resolve workplace conflicts, according to a survey by the Society for the Human Resource Management. The society says that almost 60 percent of survey respondents have seen violent incidents in their workplace over the past three years, with “personality conflicts” as the main cause.

More troubling results from the researchers at the University of North Carolina revealed the following:

• 53 percent of workers have lost time at work over worries about a previous or potential confrontation with a colleague.

• 28 percent have lost work time in their attempts to avoid confrontations.

• 37 percent are less committed to their employer because of a hostile workplace altercation.

So why can’t we all just get along?

Unless you work in a one-person operation, conflict is inevitable. There will be as many opinions as there are people. Most often, differences can be set aside and somehow, the work gets done.

While it is not unheard-of for people to disagree, conflicts with co-workers or customers don’t have to turn unpleasant. Peaceful resolution of issues starts with rational behavior, which requires all parties to put emotions aside.

But when a serious conflict arises, circumstances can change dramatically. Unresolved disagreements can cripple a workplace.

Before you blow your top, pause and listen. Stop whatever else you may be doing and focus on the situation. Pay attention to what the other person is saying, and demonstrate that you are listening carefully.